Grangegorman has been well described as the “Forgotten” quarter of Dublin. Now that’s all set to change. With huge, city shaping transformations afoot, this is a timely moment to explore, discover and discuss this neglected yet remarkable corner of Dublin.

Our group will meet outside front door Hugh Lane Gallery 2.15PM, Tuesday 30th August (2016). From there, walking gradually North and west, we’ll view historic civic, residential and ecclesiastical buildings on our way to the park in front of Gandon’s magnificent Kings Inns. From that vantage point, we will view another masterpiece, John Skipton Mulvaney’s sublime Broadstone station and consider the extraordinary developments currently taking place there, including the new LUAS light railway extension and future cycle track: both vital new links connecting the city to Grangegorman.

From there we’ll loop down to Kings St then Brunswick St, pausing at stages to discuss local history and architecture. Then up Grangegorman Lower, arriving at Francis Johnston’s Clock Tower (the former Richmond Penitentiary) and- just across the road- the stunning new DIT campus. Here, for the second half of our tour, we will explore this remarkable adaptation of the old Richmond Asylum (formerly St Brendan’s Mental hospital) and the manner in that architects, planners and designers have triumphed using a mix of repurposed 19th century buildings (including two splendid Victorian chapels) mixed with built and planned modern architecture to create this brand new University campus. In this part of our tour we’ll be joined by Dr Terry Prendergast, joint author of the Grangegorman master plan, and lecturer in Planning, DIT. In conversation with you and our group, she’ll help us explore the campus buildings, gardens, amenities, parkland and architecture of the new site, how it all fits into the large urban context of its immediate area and community, and indeed, into Dublin as a whole.

Grangegorman is perhaps the least known of Dublin quarters, yet from transport to workhouses, hospitals and transport, remains full of deep historical significance. And now, from being the forgotten quarter, it now looks set to become one of the most fashionable, thriving and dynamic areas anywhere in the capital. This is a rare opportunity to see an area on the very cusp of transformation, and to see how cities evolve, develop and reinvent.

This Dublin Decoded city walking event is open to all. It promises to be a remarkable tour. We look forward to seeing some of you there.

above, from top: 1- former men’s and women’s houses, and the men’s and women’s infirmaries, whole complex now part of DIT campus Grangegorman; 2- aerial view of same complex of buildings; 3- the Clock Tower – formerly the Richmond Penitentiary, designed Francis Johnston. Pictures courtesy Grangegorman Development Agency.

Please meet your guide Arran Henderson, of Dublin Decoded, outside the Hugh Lane gallery 2pm – 2.15 Tuesday 30th August (2016) Walk leaves from outside the galery, at 2.20 sharp. Tickets should ideally be booked in advance on the link above, although a limited amount of walk up tickets will be available on the day. (€20 walk ups, subject to availability)